Volume : 13, Issue : 06, June – 2026

Title:

FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF STIGMASTEROL-LOADED PHYTOSOMES FOR ENHANCED DRUG DELIVERY

Authors :

P .Sireesha and Srikala Kamireddy*

Abstract :

Stigmasterol is a naturally occurring phytosterol possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-osteoarthritic, and cardioprotective properties. However, its therapeutic application is limited due to poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate Stigmasterol-loaded phytosomes using phosphatidylcholine to improve its physicochemical properties and dissolution characteristics. Preliminary formulations were prepared by anti-solvent precipitation, solvent evaporation, and rotary evaporation methods. Among these methods, rotary evaporation produced phytosomes with superior particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading and was selected for further optimization. Three formulations (SP1, SP2, and SP3) with different drug-to-phospholipid ratios were prepared and evaluated. The optimized formulation SP2 exhibited a particle size of 486.58 ± 5.19 nm, percentage yield of 87.04 ± 1.86%, entrapment efficiency of 88.79 ± 1.30%, and drug loading of 34.00 ± 5.70%. FTIR and DSC studies confirmed compatibility between stigmasterol and phosphatidylcholine, while SEM analysis revealed spherical vesicular morphology. The optimized phytosomal formulation demonstrated significantly enhanced in vitro drug release (94.63 ± 1.78%) compared with pure stigmasterol (58.62 ± 1.68%) after 180 minutes. These findings indicate that phytosome technology is an effective approach for improving the dissolution and potential bioavailability of stigmasterol.
Keywords: Stigmasterol, Phytosome, Phosphatidylcholine, Entrapment efficiency, Drug release, Osteoarthritis.

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Srikala kamireddy et al., Formulation, Characterization And In-Vitro Evaluation Of Stigmasterol-Loaded Phytosomes For Enhanced Drug Delivery, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(06).

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